The
subsequent images were taken at the National Park Neusiedlersee
Seewinkel which is located in the south eastern corner of
Austria.

The
page deals with Avocets (Recurvirostra avosetta), and Black-winged
Stilts (Himantopus himantopus). Both species appear here as
well as migrating guest as also for breeding purpose.

Most
photos of this page were taken in April and May 2003.

Avocets
are attention attracting birds. An upward curved slim bill shape
and the blue gray legs, are combined with an accentuated white and
black plumage coloring.

Normally
they prefer salt water environment, but sometimes like here, they
also accept moderate salt or bitter conditions.

Adult, both genders are very similar, juveniles show a black which
is not that accentuated and sepia brown shoulder feathers.

--o--

Black-winged
Stilts may not easily be confound because of the extremely long
bright red legs and the black and white plumage. A small head with
a black needle like bill sits on a rather long neck.

A Black-winged
Stilt looks like some very graceful mini Stork. The Pigeon sized
body stands on extremely long legs compared with the body size.

Black-winged
Stilts prefer stagnant fresh or brackish water conditions. Nests
are located close to the water on the open ground. First brood in
third summer, both genders alternate.

Intruders
are chased away together. The birds may emit calls which sound like
yelping of young dogs.

Avocets
are about 44 cm long. Here the bird displays some typical gesture.
Shortly it will start sweeping the ground for prey by continuous
swivelling the bill through the silty ground.

Click
on preview thumbnails for enlarged presentation!

Avocets
are monogamous. Pairing starts already in the late winter season.
Therefore many birds arrive at the breeding territories already as
pairs. In case Avocets face each other, they perform some formal bow
gesture.

The
preferred sweeping grounds are shallow waters like visible here. Sometimes
Avocets also populate deeper waters for hunting. Then they perform
similar to ducks with just the tail above the water. (top
of page)

As
introduction to copulation a typical ritual is adhered. At first,
the hen signalizes readiness by gesture as visible. Then the cock
several times swaps from the left to the right side. Finally splashing
water by the bill follows.

Now
the cock jumps on the back of the hen for copulation. In order to
keep good balance, wings are usually used. After copulation, both
birds perform a short sprint together, sometimes with crossed bills.

Black-winged
Stilts are about 38 cm long. A special attraction are the very long
bright red legs, which are in contrast to the body size. Due to these
legs, Black-winged Stilts may search for prey in deeper water than
comparable waders. They capture tadpoles, water bugs, water beetles
and fly larvae. (top of page)

Regularly
four eggs are laid between mid of May and mid of June. As usual at
wader's nests the pointed egg tips are directed to the nest's center.
Brood duration about 25 days. The chicks behave very hidden, before
they start flying after about 4 weeks. 2-4 weeks later they achieve
their autonomy.